SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse University has banned romantic and sexual relationships between students and employees, including professors.

University leadership recently approved a policy change which limits romantic relationships, SU announced this week.

The policy prohibits all employees from engaging in relationships with undergraduate students. It also limits employees from engaging in relationships with graduate students over whom they have some supervisory or advisory role.

SU said in a news release that the new policy was recommended by the University Senate, a body of professors, administrators and students.

Title IX officer Sheila Johnson-Willis said the policy is part of an effort to make the campus environment free from discrimination and harassment.

The new policy does not apply to students who enroll at SU and are already spouses and domestic partners of faculty or staff. The policy also notes that exceptions can be made in consultation with college administration.

The policy urges faculty members to consider their professional responsibility to students. It notes that romantic relationships that "might be acceptable in other circumstances" pose risks in an academic setting, where power dynamics and conflicts of interest could arise.

It notes the risk is very high with undergraduate students, but that relationships between faculty and graduate students are also "problematic."

The pitfalls include putting the student in a vulnerable position and putting other students who are aware of the relationship in a difficult learning environment, the policy says.

"Professionalism within the University demands that those with authority not abuse, nor seem to abuse, the power with which they are entrusted."

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